Best NHL Prop Bets Today: Expect an Uptick in Scoring for Thursday’s Slate of Games

After scoring a combined nine goals in their last two games of the series, the Carolina Hurricanes front line have the opportunity to sustain their high level of play as they face off against a Washington defense who struggles in coverage. Later in the night, we back the Dallas Stars offense to light up the scoreboard as their versatile offense will have Connor Hellbuyck constantly scrambling which opens up wider gaps in his net.

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Washington Capitals - Prop Bets (7:00 PM, EST)

Carolina Hurricanes Team Total Over 3

After only mustering a total of three goals in the first two games of their series against Washington, the Carolina Hurricanes offense have seemingly rounded back into form after scoring nine in their last two. Their recent performance mirrors what we saw throughout the year as the Hurricanes led the league in Expected Goals For in All Situations with an average of 3.57 Expected Goals per game. Their play has only improved in the playoffs as they are currently averaging 4.23 Expected Goals this postseason.

Against Washington, the Hurricanes front line will be in a favorable position to sustain their high level of play as they face off against a Capitals defense who ranks 15th in Expected Goals Against in All Situations. Primarily with their back line regressing throughout the playoffs as they are currently conceding an average of 3.43 Expected Goals Against per game. Their lack of coverage increases the width of Carolina’s shooting lanes which drastically improves the quality of their Shots on Goal.

Especially with the Hurricanes fielding six players who average over 0.25 Expected Goals per game as their versatility will have the Capitals back line stretched out thin which opens up wider gaps in their coverage. Their spread out attack will have Logan Thompson constantly scrambling in an attempt to wall off their offense, leaving the Capitals goalie vulnerable to getting beat on a rebound or by a well placed one timer. Should the Hurricanes team total climb up to 3.5, then reduce the size of your wager.

Seth Jarvis Anytime Goalscorer

After successfully cashing this prop on Monday night, we go back to the well as Seth Jarvis has had no issue with consistently pressuring the Washington Capitals net as he finished game four with an Expected Goal of 0.40. His success stems from Sebastian Aho’s ability to pull defensive attention away from him which increases the quality of Jarvis’ shooting lanes. Back Jarvis to carry over his momentum into game five and score his second goal of the series and fourth in the playoffs.

Dallas Stars vs. Winnipeg Jets - Prop Bets (9:30 PM, EST)

Dallas Stars Team Total Over 2.5

After building a strong case for winning his second straight Vezina Trophy award, Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck has struggled to carry over his momentum into the playoffs as the Jets goalie is currently averaging 3.48 Goals Against per game and a .851 Save Percentage. A stunning low level of play, especially when factoring in how well his back line has played as the Jets defense heads into game five leading all playoff contenders in Expected Goals Against in All Situations.

Unfortunately for Hellebuyck, his struggles in net are poised to persist as he faces off against a Dallas Stars offense who excels at creating high quality scoring opportunities as their top-10 mark in Expected Goals For in All Situations indicates. The Stars possess playmakers in every line as seven players average over 0.25 Expected Goals per game with five of them eclipsing 0.30. Expect the Stars versatility to help them light up the scoreboard and stamp their ticket to the Western Conference Finals.

Mikko Rantanen Anytime Goalscorer

After being held scoreless in game four, positive regression looms large over Mikko Rantanen as the Stars forward still flirted with scoring as he generated an Expected Goal of 0.26. Rantanen has excelled at creating high quality scoring opportunities this season as he currently averages 0.44 Expected Goals and 2.59 Shots on Goal per game. Against a spaced out Jets back line, expect Rantanen to continue to pressure their net at a consistent rate and score a goal in game five.